Entertainers help man who collapsed at game

Eric Duffield, with the Newcastle shirt signed by players at the Entertainers re-match with Liverpool

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

TOON stars found a special way to send their best wishes to a fan who missed a match after suffering a massive asthma attack.

Eric Duffield had been to watch Sunday’s “Entertainers” charity clash that saw United stars from the past play veteran Liverpool players.

But Toon-mad Eric was rushed to hospital after suffering a huge asthma attack during a dinner before the game.

Thankfully, the 57-year-old was successfully treated and survived the frightening episode. However, he was left disappointed at missing the match he had waited months to see.

Now, after hearing about the incident, former Magpies aces including Tino Asprilla and David Ginola, clubbed together to give Eric a signed shirt as a message of goodwill.

And Eric, who runs a charity raising money to help sufferers of a rare skin condition, will now auction the shirt to raise money for the cause.

He said: “I had forgotten to take my medication and was feeling a bit groggy.

“I didn’t want to embarrass myself so I went out into the foyer. I have the head of security to thank because it was them who called the ambulance.

“I went off to the RVI and they put me on oxygen and nebulisers, and I was OK.

“I’m very grateful to the players. I’m more than grateful really. Just this morning I had someone say to me ‘how much do you want for that?’ So I think it could raise a few hundred pounds for our charity.”

Sunday’s match, held at Newcastle Falcons’ stadium in Kingston Park, saw the likes of Alan Shearer and Lee Clark once again donning the black and white shirt to face former Liverpool stars from the late 1990s.

The much-anticipated clash, which saw Liverpool win 4-1, was arranged as a tribute to Newcastle’s famous 4-3 loss to the Scousers in 1996.

It was the days of Kevin Keegan’s “Entertainers” side, who became known for their attacking flair.

Eric was invited to a pre-match dinner before the event because of his involvement with the Jonny Kennedy North East charity.

The charity was set up after Jonny Kennedy, from Alnwick, Northumberland, died of the rare skin condition Epidermylosis Bullosa.

A four-course fundraising dinner is planned for November 20 at Sambuca, in Park Avenue, Whitley Bay, in aid of the charity. For tickets call 0191 270 8891.

Eric, who runs a charity shop to raise funds for the cause, said anyone who would like to bid for the signed shirt should contact him on his mobile – 07738 076081.